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The Winnipeg Jets kicked off their Stanley Cup playoff journey with a significant win, defeating the St. Louis Blues 5-3 in Game 1 at the Canada Life Centre.
In a match that started with limited offense, both teams managed only two shots on goal in the first nine minutes. However, the momentum shifted after Luke Schenn received the first penalty of the series, providing the Blues an opportunity to strike first. Cam Fowler found Robert Thomas in the faceoff circle, and Thomas executed a precise wrist shot that found the top corner of the net, marking the Blues’ opening goal.
Not to be outdone, the Jets responded swiftly on their own power play. A pass from Mark Scheifele deflected off Ryan Suter’s stick and trickled behind Jordan Binnington, leveling the score. This goal marked Scheifele’s 39th career playoff point, tying him with Blake Wheeler for the franchise’s all-time playoff points record.
As the sold-out crowd rallied behind their team, the Jets surged ahead just two minutes later. Jaret Anderson-Dolan redirected a shot from Schenn, initially credited to Morgan Barron after it appeared to change directions multiple times, giving the Jets their first lead.
However, the lead was fleeting. Just three minutes later, Oskar Sundqvist capitalized on a loose puck in the slot, restoring balance to the scoreboard for a four-goal first period. The opening frame concluded with the Blues holding a slight edge in shots, 9-7, and imposing a physical presence with 32 hits.
As the second period commenced, the Blues seized on a man advantage, with Jordan Kyrou managing to slip a shot past a screened Connor Hellebuyck, regaining the lead for St. Louis.
Towards the end of the second period, Hellebuyck made a crucial save during a Kyrou breakaway, demonstrating his skill and importance to the Jets’ defense. Winnipeg outshot the Blues 10-6 during this period, showcasing their effort to regain control of the match.
To seal the victory, Adam Lowry found the empty net in the final minute, solidifying the Jets’ 5-3 win. The teams will meet again for Game 2 on Monday at 6:30 PM, as the Jets aim for another crucial win in their playoff campaign.
Source
globalnews.ca